Well fellows I'm here to tell you that you can install the plastic strip in the
windows while on the vehicle without too much trouble.  I did all of the
windows on my 83 Westy in a couple of hours.  I struggled until I made a simple
tool out of a coat hanger to open the rubber moulding and I sprayed the groove
with silicone spray before installing the plastic strip.  I also had an
assistant help guide the plastic strip as I installed it.  The first couple of
windows took about 10 minutes each but by the time I got to the 5th one it took
about 5 min. start to finish.  The end result made a huge improvement in the
looks of my Brick.  If I can be of further assistance contact me at
http://www.aiusa.com/betlfrq

bertschi wrote:

> Larry  & Bill,
>   I hate to challenge you on this, but I believe the plastic trim serves as
> a "lock strip" that actually forces the rubber apart to better hold and
> seal the glass in the body frame.
>   I worked at truck assembly plant for five years, and when they installed
> the windshields, they did it like this...
> 1. warm the rubber and trim
> 2. install rubber in window frame
> 3. lube rubber w/ soapy stuff
> 4. slide in glass (sometimes pounding w/ a rubber mallet, I DON'T recommend
> this of course!!) and used a special tool to correctly pull rubber out on
> top of glass. (working from outside of vehicle, rope trick from inside van
> should work here)
> 5. lube track for "lock strip" (plastic trim)
> 6. install "lock strip" (plastic trim) using special tool. (screwdriver
> handle w/ loop at end to force open track as trim is push in)
>   Best recommendation is to go to a glass shop and watch this being done
> first. maybe the glass person will loan you his tool for a 40 oz Bud?!!
> (It's worked for me!)
>   I'd wait for a sunny day to make use of the "solar" heater to warm the
> rubber, then you shouldn't have to remove the glass. (it's hard to remove
> w/ out breaking it, or cutting the rubber off) If you have to remove the
> rubber, better to cut the rubber, it's MUCH cheaper than the glass.(but
> only if necessary)
>     If the glass is out already....
> 1. clean rubber and glass
> 2. wrap rubber on glass ( lay glass on saw horses w/ board and blanket)
> 3. have friend help put glas on front of van and use 'ol rope trick (again,
> go watch the glass people)
> 4. lube track and put in strip w/ proper tool.
>    hope this works for you...it should.  Best bet is to ask as many people
> as possible first, especially the pros.
> dan
>
> ----------
> > From: BILL <BILLV2@PRODIGY.NET>
> > To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: Q:how to install the plastic front window trim
> > Date: Tuesday, June 09, 1998 7:05 PM
> >
> > > A question for those who have been there:
> > >
> > > I bought new (WCM) front window plastic trim from Ron Salmon when we
> > > were en route to Manassas. The old trim came out easily and the rubber
> > > seal cleaned up with no fuss. I applied liquid dish soap to the slot in
> > > the rubber trim as a lubricant and then tried to insert the new plastic
> > > window trim. It was very difficult but I succeeded in working in about
> > > one foot length. This was obviously the wrong way and I'd probably
> > > damage the new trim before I swore my way all round the window.
> > >
> > > Before I bust something, what is the correct way to install this shinny
> > > silver colored plastic trim into the slot of the rubber window seal?
> > >
> > > Larry Johnson
> > > '86 Syncro Westfalia
> >
> > I had a glass shop do mine and they used a special tool which slides the
> > plastic chrome colored trim into the window molding. The only way to
> > install it is to remove your windshield. I helped the guy install the
> > plastic trim, and with that "special" tool, it went in easy--also used
> some
> > soapy water. You can do it by hand if you have the time, but the
> windshield
> > has to be out of the van in order to open the groove. When the windshield
> > is in the van it pinches the plastic trim in the windshield molding.
> >
> > I am in the process of replacing the plastic chrome trim around my side
> > windows and the only way I can do it is to remove the window from the
> van.
> > Using soapy water it slides in easy. And with the window out I can
> re-tint
> > the windows easier!
> >
> > Bill
> > '85 GL
> > [*Magic*Bus*]
> > Big Sky Country
> > <><